History

Planning for Forrestfield-Airport Link began in 2008, with discussions around how the suburban rail network could best be connected to Perth’s growing eastern suburbs. Key to the success of the new rail line will be the route the railway will take. To determine that route, it was necessary to think about the future of the city — population growth patterns, projected demand, economic and development plans already in place, and the potential to stimulate activity through well-placed infrastructure.

A detailed assessment process determined the most appropriate station locations, the catchments that will be served, the most efficient way to connect those catchments to the Perth CBD, and the capacity for future extension of the line.

Route planning for the new rail line was also guided by:

• the need to cater for Perth’s new consolidated domestic and international airport terminals 
• the demand likely to be created by redevelopment of former airport land once the domestic terminal is relocated
• the need for a station at Forrestfield, given population growth east of the airport, and
• the potential for connecting the Forrestfield end of the new rail line to the broader rail network to the south at some point in the future.